Girl’s Track takes fourth in the state championship

Isaiah Holmes

On Friday, May 18, 2018 and Saturday, May 19, 2018, the Whitney Young Girl’s Track & Field team competed in the 2018 IHSA State Finals at O’Brien Field, in Charleston, IL.. Friday was State Prelims and Saturday was the State Finals. Whitney Young took fourth place out of 70 teams, with 37 points, from across the state of Illinois.

 

There were many events that the Dolphins competed in. The 4X100 relay, ran by Lovie Anafi ‘20, Madison Saunders ‘21, Olivia Jackson ‘21, and Amira Young ‘18, took 5th place with a time of 48.27 seconds. The 4X400 relay, ran by River Curry ‘21, Alana Berry ‘20, Zyana Cabrera ‘19, and Amira Young ‘18, won first place, placing a school record with 3.52 seconds. Sophomore, Lovie Anafi ‘20, took 8th place in Long Jump with 18ft and 4.25in.

 

Senior captain and defending state champion in the 100m and 200m dash, Amira Young ‘18, qualified to run the 100m dash and 200m dash. She took first place in both events and ran in 11.71 seconds in the 100m dash and 24.21 seconds in the 200m dash. When asked how she felt after her win, she said, “Being a State Champion again is a blessing and it came from numerous sacrifices and belief in myself. However, it does not stop here as I will compete on the collegiate level next year at the University of Minnesota. It has been a great 4 years representing Whitney Young in Track & Field. I wish the best of luck to the future Dolphin Superstars to come.” Young has inspired so many people that run with and watch her.  Zanea Spencer ‘19 said, “I have been amazed by Amira ever since I started going to Track & Field events that she participated in. I know that she will do equally well in college and no doubt that she will be a future Olympian.”

 

The Whitney Young 2017-2018 Girl’s Varsity Track & Field team will be one for the books. As a team, they have broken many records this year and placed the highest they ever have in the State Finals. Although they are losing Amira Young ‘18, they will be even better next year while attempting to defend their State titles.